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Archive for August, 2019

Zhiyun’s new SMOOTH-Q2 is yet another compact smartphone gimbal

31 Aug

Zhiyun Tech has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new SMOOTH-Q2, a pocket-sized gimbal designed for smartphones. Zhiyun boasts that its latest gimbal is smaller than the DJI Osmo 2 and Osmo 3, packing a 4500mAh battery for up to 17 hours of usage, as well as a number of features including object tracking, time-lapse and 360-degree POV modes.

The SMOOTH-Q2 Mobile Gimbal is made from CNC-machined aluminum alloy and is very compact, able to fit entirely within a pants pocket. The device features a five-way joystick and support for shooting in landscape and portrait modes. Users can directly control their phone’s native camera app over Bluetooth.

The gimbal uses a quick-release clip for rapidly attaching and removing a smartphone. In addition to the five-way joystick, the SMOOTH-Q2 sports a button for manually toggling between the photo and video modes, LED indicators for mode and battery status, a power button and USB-C charging port.

The SMOOTH-Q2 can be used with an accessory via a 1/4″ threaded screw hole on the bottom of the handle. Zhiyun claims the gimbal’s motor is durable with a maximum payload capacity up to 260g (9oz) and longevity ranging up to 3,000 hours of continuous work. Users can use SMOOTH-Q2 to shoot in motion-lapse, time-lapse, POV, vortex, multimode and object-tracking modes.

Zhiyun is seeking funds for SMOOTH-Q2 on Kickstarter, where it is offering a ‘Standard Package’ kit for pledges of at least $ 109 USD. In addition to the Standard Package, which includes the gimbal, phone holder, strap and cable. There’s also a Premium Package option that also includes a bag, phone charging cable and mini tripod for pledges of $ 119 USD.

Assuming the campaign is successful, the company plans to start shipping products in October.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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First samples from the Sony a6100, E 16-55mm and E 70-350mm

31 Aug

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We’re in New York City where Sony’s launched an impressive range of new APS-C gear including a flagship a6600 body, budget-friendly a6100 body, E 16-55mm F2.8 standard zoom lens and E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 telephoto lens. We got our hands on both the a6100 and duo of lenses. Check out our initial samples.

See our Sony a6100 sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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You can now order photo books, prints and more directly through Flickr

31 Aug

Flickr has announced a new printing service that allows members to order prints, wall art, frames and printed mugs directly from their photostream. Developed in conjunction with SmugMug the service uses print houses in Minnesota, California and Scotland to fulfill the orders, as well as Blurb and Chatbooks for the photo book services.

The new service appears on the user’s photostream, image viewing and home pages as a Print menu item at the top of the page and/or a shopping cart at the bottom. Clicking either of these icons opens a new dialogue with product choices that include paper prints, wall art, desk art and keepsakes. The paper print section is divided into regular print sizes that fit standard frames, ‘other sizes’, panoramic prints and square sizes. The smallest print is 5 x 3.5in and the largest on offer is 20 x 30in.

When choosing canvases the site shows the area of the image that will be lost to the wrap. Print previews also show when the proportions of the image don’t match that of the paper

The wall art section contains options for canvas prints, framed images as well as printing on to metal and acrylic. Clicking on the photobook option takes you into a Flickr dedicated section of the Blurb website.

As a guide, 6x4in prints cost $ 0.76 each – with no apparent discount for multiple copies of the same image – and a 30x20in print will cost $ 22.80. Postage for print orders seems to be $ 14.59 however many you order, whether one or a hundred.

For more information see the Flickr prints information page.

{pressrelease}

Print Boldly with photo prints on Flickr

We’re thrilled to bring every photographer on Flickr a new professional-quality printing experience. Whether you’re a passionate beginner or a seasoned Pro, you can now order prints from the best pro labs around the world, capturing the beauty of the images that mean the most to you.

How does it work?

Whether you want to order a statement piece for a space you’re decorating or paper prints to share with family and friends, you can shop print products with just a few clicks.
Log in to your Flickr account and select the brand new Prints menu item in the upper navigation. You’ll be able to select the photo you want to print, choose the product style, size, and finish and add to cart. When you’re done making your selection, go to your cart and check out.

Or, while you’re browsing through your Photostream, choose a photo, click the new shopping cart icon, and select the product (we love the metal prints) to add it to your cart. Simply repeat this step to add more photos and items to your cart. When you’re done shopping, head back to your cart (accessible through the Prints menu item in the upper navigation) and check out.

Why print through Flickr?

We’re committed to making Flickr your be-all home for photography and this is just one more step to giving photographers better ways to let their photos live beyond the pixel. We are partnering with some of the best photo labs on the planet (Bay Photo, Loxley Colour, and White House Custom Colour) to make sure that no matter what size or shape your print, you’re getting professional quality prints each and every time.

What kind of prints can I get?

Metal prints: When you want to stand out.
Metal prints deliver unparalleled color and vibrance to produce a depth and clarity unlike any other photographic wall art. If you want a print as bold as your most epic photo, look no further than metal prints.

Paper prints: Big or small print them all.
Paper prints are a time-honored way to show off and share your favorite photos. From stacks of 4x6s to frameable statement pieces, you’ll be able to find the perfect size and paper finish for your favorite photos.

Canvas prints: Add a little class to your casa.
Add a little class to your home, office, or whatever other space needs the finesse of a classic canvas print. With shapes and sizes perfect for wherever you want to hang your photos, your images will look outstanding.

While you’re at it, come join the new Flickr group: Print Boldly. There will be lots of discussions and conversation around preparing your photos for printing, finding inspiration around what to print, and exclusives and deals for all members.

We’ve been lucky enough to lean on our friends at SmugMug to develop this new feature. This has been an awesome opportunity to take advantage of our sister product teams’ skills to build something new while most of the core Flickr team was consumed by the migration including getting Camera Roll up and running again. It was a team effort!

Have fun and #printboldly!

{/pressrelease}

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony a6600 sample gallery from DPReview TV

31 Aug

DPReview TV was at the launch event for the new Sony a6600, and host Chris Niccolls had a chance to shoot with the camera around New York’s Coney Island. Here’s a gallery of some of his favorite shots using Sony’s new APS-C lenses.

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sandmarc launches hybrid ND/polarization filters for smartphone cameras

31 Aug

On smartphones, the effects of many photographic filters can be fairly easily simulated by apps but if you are more of an old-school photographer who also likes to shoot with a phone, Sandmarc’s new premium line of polarized ND filters for smartphone photography and video recording might just be what you have been waiting for.

The accessory maker’s new models combine neutral density and polarizing functionality in one hybrid filter and are manufactured using multi-coated and anti-reflective glass for accurate color transmission. An aluminum frame should provide toughness.

The filters can be attached to Sandmarc’s iPhone lenses or directly to the smartphone using the included clip. They are compatible with most recent high-end models from Apple, Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers and come with an inner diameter of 40.6mm and an outer diameter of 55mm.

The set includes polarized ND16, ND32 and ND64 filters and be pre-ordered now for $ 129.99 on the Sandmarc website where you’ll also find more information including a full list of compatible devices.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Edelkrone expands 3D-printed ORTAK line with new SKATER 3D kit

31 Aug

Earlier this summer, Edelkrone introduced ORTAK, a line of the company’s products sold at cheaper prices to customers who must 3D print the item’s various components at home. Edelkrone kicked off this lineup with the FlexTILT Head 3D, a 3D-printed and DIY version of its FlexTILT Head 2. The company is back with another product in the ORTAK line with the relaunched and modified PocketSKATER 2.

PocketSKATER 2 was originally launched by Edelkrone as a three-wheel camera skater with the FlexTILT head built-in; it previously cost around $ 250 USD before the company discontinued the product. With this relaunch, the new SKATER 3D has a modified design that enables customers to print the product’s base components using readily accessible 3D printers.

The obvious benefit to the ORTAK product line is reduced cost. The new SKATER 3D, for example, is offered in two parts: a freely available 3D blueprint that can be downloaded from the company’s website and a $ 29 USD kit featuring the CNC-machined aluminum parts for assembling the 3D-printed components.

Edelkrone refers to this arrangement as ‘co-manufacturing,’ one targeted specifically at consumers who already own a 3D printer. The previously launched FlexTILT Head 3D is available as a digital download with a $ 29 USD aluminum parts kit. Both ORTAK products are available now.

Via: DIY Photography

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: Sony a6600 first impressions

31 Aug

This week Sony announced it’s new flagship APS-C mirrorless camera, the a6600, alongside two APS-C lenses and the budget-oriented a6100 model. In this video, we take a closer look at the a6600 and share our first impressions of the camera.

Don’t forget to check out the sample gallery below!

Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

  • Introduction
  • Shot on a6600
  • Body improvements
  • SD card slot
  • Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
  • No pop-up flash?
  • The sensor
  • Buffer
  • Weather sealing
  • Function additions and removals
  • Video capabilities
  • Conclusion

Check out all of our Sony a6100, a6600, and APS-C lens launch content, including additional galleries and initial reviews

Sample gallery from this episode

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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6 Reasons Your Photos Might Be Lacking Sharpness

31 Aug

The post 6 Reasons Your Photos Might Be Lacking Sharpness appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

Capturing sharp photos needn’t be difficult. Most amateur photographers who struggle to capture sharp photos make one of the common mistakes listed below. The good news is that with a little bit of practice and knowhow, you will be able to take sharp photos most of the time. At the very least, you should accept that you will make mistakes and have blurred photos from time to time when starting out. Instead of getting frustrated, try to analyze each blurred photo to understand why it might be lacking in sharpness. In the meantime here are 6 reasons your photos might be lacking sharpness.

Reasons-Your-Photos-Might-Be-Lacking-Sharpness

Reasons your photos might be lacking sharpness

1. Shutter speed too slow

Often this is the number one culprit for photos lacking sharpness. There are three potential mistakes when it comes to shutter speed. The first is simply the question of are you using a fast enough shutter speed for what you are photographing? For example, a cheetah running will need a much faster shutter speed to freeze the action. Whereas, a statue doesn’t. So the first thing you should do is understand what shutter speed you need for the subject you are shooting. As an example, you might be able to get away with something like 1/60th sec when taking a portrait. But for someone running, you will need a shutter speed of something like 1/200th sec.

The second issue is around the lens you are using. As a general rule, your shutter speed should at the least be the same as your lens focal length. So for example, if you are shooting with a 200mm lens, your shutter speed should be at least 1/200th sec. However, there is a slight caveat to this rule. Image stabilization in modern lenses is very good. It can allow you to shoot below the minimum required. But, to be safe, stick to this rule.

Lastly, how fast you need for your shutter speed also comes down to you. If you have steady hands, then you may be able to shoot sharp photos at a slower shutter speed than someone else. Test this out by photographing a scene at different shutter speeds to determine how slow you can go.

Image: Closer inspection of this photo reveals that there is a lack of sharpness.

Closer inspection of this photo reveals that there is a lack of sharpness.

2. Not using the correct aperture

Your aperture determines your depth of field. This also has a major impact on the sharpness of your photo. For example, if you are photographing a landscape scene with a shallow depth of field like f/2.8, then only a small part of your scene will be sharp. Depending on where you focused, only things along that distance will be sharp. So in this scenario, where you want more of your image to be sharp, you need to use a smaller aperture (i.e., higher f/number).

For something like landscape photography, you need to use an aperture of f/8 or smaller.

Reasons-Your-Photos-Might-Be-Lacking-Sharpness

3. ISO is too high

Even though modern-day DSLRs have hugely improved in the amount of noise that appears in photos at high ISOs, unfortunately, it still does affect sharpness. If you set your ISO too high, your image will begin to look soft and as a result lack sharpness. Always remember only to raise your ISO as high as you need to.

Better still, if you can, use a tripod and keep your ISO low.

Image: This photo was taken at 6400 ISO. When zoomed in, as you can see the noise is making it feel...

This photo was taken at 6400 ISO. When zoomed in, as you can see the noise is making it feel soft.

4. Haven’t locked up mirror

A lot of amateur photographers may not be aware of this potential issue when using a tripod. Every time that you click the shutter button, the mirror inside the camera flips over to allow light to hit the sensor.

When you are using a fast shutter speed, this process doesn’t cause any problems. But when you are photographing using a long exposure where your shutter speed is very slow, when the mirror flips over, the vibrations can cause a lack of sharpness in your image. You can either use the function in your DSLR menu to “lock mirror” or shoot in live view mode for the same effect.

Image: An example of the lack of sharpness even when using a tripod when the mirror hasn’t bee...

An example of the lack of sharpness even when using a tripod when the mirror hasn’t been locked.

5. Poor quality tripod

Just like anything else, there are good quality tripods and poor quality tripods. Of course, buying a better and more sturdy tripod might be expensive, but isn’t that a price worth paying for sharper photos?

A poor quality tripod will put your expensive equipment at risk because it may not be sturdy enough even to withstand a gust of wind. However, cheap material can also be prone to vibrations, which, in turn, can mean a lack of sharpness in your photos.

So don’t take the risk. Ideally, invest in a good quality carbon fiber tripod.

6 Reasons Your Photos Might Be Lacking Sharpness

6. Not using a remote or self-timer

Even the faintest of touches can cause camera shake when photographing at long exposures. This means that even when you press the shutter button to take a photo, you are causing movement. The only way to be sure that your photos will not suffer from camera shake is to use a remote release or the self-timer on the camera. This will ensure you will not have to touch the camera when you take the photo.

Reasons-Your-Photos-Might-Be-Lacking-Sharpness

By far the best way to ensure that your photos are sharp is to use a tripod. But whilst that is not always possible or convenient, by following the advice above you can still ensure that your photos will be sharp.

We hope these tips help you achieve sharper photos! Do you have any other tips to add to the reasons your photos might be lacking sharpness? Share with us in the comments!

 

Reasons-Your-Photos-Might-Be-Lacking-Sharpness

The post 6 Reasons Your Photos Might Be Lacking Sharpness appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.


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Alien Skin Software is changing its name to Exposure Software

31 Aug

Plug-in and stand-alone imaging application manufacturer Alien Skin Software has announces it’s changing its name to Exposure Software. The company, which started life in 1993 and is well known for its Eye Candy and Exposure Photoshop plug-ins, will switch its name to align itself more closely with its flagship Exposure X package. It says that with the release of Exposure X5 the transition will be complete.

Writing on the company blog CEO Finley Lee says the Exposure X5 plug-in ‘will be a big stride forward in creativity and efficiency.’ The new company name expresses our complete focus on serving creative photographers.’ The current version of the plug-in is Exposure X4.5, which retails from $ 119. For more information see the Exposure Software website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Weekly Photography Challenge – Dappled Light

31 Aug

The post Weekly Photography Challenge – Dappled Light appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

This week’s photography challenge topic is DAPPLED LIGHT!

Weekly Photography Challenge – Dappled Light

Bruno van der Kraan

Dappled light creates some wonderful looks in an image. Go out and take images with dappled light – think light reflecting through the curtains onto the wall on a sunny afternoon, speckles of light hitting leaves in a forest, a street scene where light plays on footpaths, walls, and people.

They can be color, black and white, moody or bright. Just so long as they include dappled light! You get the picture!

Have fun, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Weekly Photography Challenge – Dappled Light

Annie Spratt

Image: Nick West

Nick West

Image: the beatboy.

the beatboy.

Check out some of the articles below that give you tips on this week’s challenge.

Tips for Shooting DAPPLED LIGHT

An Easy Hack for Shooting into the Sun and Processing the Images

There is No Bad Light for Street Photography

How to Photograph Against the Sun for Stunning Images

How to See and Photograph Light – 6 Tips to Help you Take Better Photos

Tips for Better Forest Photography

8 Quick Tips to Produce Better Forest Photography

 

Weekly Photography Challenge – DAPPLED LIGHT

Simply upload your shot into the comment field (look for the little camera icon in the Disqus comments section) and they’ll get embedded for us all to see or if you’d prefer, upload them to your favorite photo-sharing site and leave the link to them. Show me your best images in this week’s challenge.

Share in the dPS Facebook Group

You can also share your images in the dPS Facebook group as the challenge is posted there each week as well.

If you tag your photos on Flickr, Instagram, Twitter or other sites – tag them as #DPSdappledlight to help others find them. Linking back to this page might also help others know what you’re doing so that they can share in the fun.

The post Weekly Photography Challenge – Dappled Light appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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